Newcastle must capitalise on Aston Villa’s frustration and land Ollie Watkins – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United could have been handed the prime chance to sign Brentford striker, Ollie Watkins, with reports of Aston Villa being set to walk away from a deal.

The Daily Mail claims Dean Smith is growing frustrated with his attempts to land Watkins, with Brentford’s insistence on a £25m fee for their man putting the breaks on any potential deal.

Instead, Smith and Villa are said to be interested in signing Callum Wilson from Bournemouth and leaving Watkins to whoever puts up the money for the Bees ace.

And while funds are hardly being splashed left, right and centre at St James’ Park, surely Mike Ashley or any prospective new owner should be backing Bruce to bring in Watkins?

Goals, goals, and more goals, Watkins is what Newcastle needs

Last summer’s big recruit, Joelinton, has simply not worked out. While the Brazilian works hard and gets the backing of Bruce, he simply hasn’t got the goals that his fee suggested he would.

In Watkins, though, it’s hard to see him not hitting the ground running and continuing his fine form in the Premier League. He bagged 26 goals last season, second only to former Magpies star, Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Furthermore, the club has already been linked with a move for Watkins just this month, so it’s not like they aren’t aware of his talents.

Sometimes a player just seems to fit the profile of what a club is looking for. With Watkins, you get the impression he’d be ideal for Newcastle.

And while fans aren’t yet back inside St James, you can almost guarantee this is a player who would get them off their seats and deliver the goods in front of goal.